Category Archives: Scouts

Davistown Putt Putt Regatta and Wooden Boat Festival

October 29, 2017 brokenbayscouts

Several Scout Troops participated in the Regatta on Sunday, 22 October, which was a fun filled day with perfect weather.

Each participating troop constructed their raft before Regatta Day. There was a morning race (10.45-11.00 am) and an afternoon race (1.30-2.00 pm). During the morning race, the Broken Bay raft team, along with all but two troops, were carried backwards in a current, despite strenuous paddling. The afternoon race saw them cross the finish line in Fourth place.

A great team effort. Well done Scouts (Nicholas, Arabella, Oliver, Jackson, Damien, Max H, and William).

A big ‘thank you’ to all our wonderful leaders and all they do to help us.

Off to Mongolia!

August 2, 2017 brokenbayscouts

After much fund raising and loads of effort on their part – Greta and Joel were part of the NSW /ACT group that flew out of Sydney to join the rest of the Australian Contingent in Beijing. Greta and Joel will be able to explore that Beijing has to offer before moving onto the 31st Asia Pacific Region Scout Jamboree in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Try pronouncing that name!

The Jamboree is from 21 July to 7 August 2017 and the theme is “Go Nomad”.

Well done guys and to all that supported you!

Some activities that Greta and Joel will participate include:

craft
hiking
orienteering
traditional games, songs and dances
riding horses and camels
archery and
putting up a ger (traditional tent).

We look forward to hearing more about your adventures with other like-minded Scouts and learning more about the unique Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and culture.

Cubs, General Information, Joeys, Scouts

ANZAC Day Woy Woy

April 29, 2017 brokenbayscouts

Beautiful ANZAC Day Wreath by Joeys

As mentioned in my earlier post Broken Bay Scouts were engaged in a number of activities to mark ANZAC Day to mark our acknowledgement of those that have served and continue to serve our nation.

This year our wonderful Broken Bay Scout Group members again participated in the Woy Woy ANZAC Day March followed by a Ceremony at Woy Woy Cenotaph.

I will let the images speak for themselves. All that participated should give themselves a big pat on the back for being such a wonderful part of our community and values!

Cubs, General Information, Joeys, Scouts

Camp Fort Scratchley

April 29, 2017 brokenbayscouts

This year the Broken Bay Scout Group were fortunate to participate in a number of activities to mark ANZAC Day and to remember those that have served and continue to serve Australia both here and overseas.

Camp Fort Scratchley, Newcastle

Setting out a little earlier three of our Scouts were able to join 49 other red cord Scouts from the Hunter District at an inaugural four day camp at Fort Scratchley sleeping under the sky in swags on the parade ground. For those of you that aren’t aware Fort Scratchley is situated on the headland of Newcastle overlooking Nobby’s Beach. Completed in 1882, Fort Scratchley was built as a coastal defence installation but is now an interactive museum with paid tours capturing the maze of underground tunnels. It was built to defend Newcastle against a possible Russian attack however the guns were only fired in anger on 8 June 1942 during the shelling of Newcastle by a Japanese submarine.

To mark ANZAC our Scouts were engaged in a number of related activities with highlights including:

a visit to the frigate HMAS Newcastle (thanks Joh for the picture);

witnessing the crew of the HMAS Newcastle marching from the mall to Civic Park to mark the ship’s honour;
observing the ANZAC Day dawn service at Nobby’s Beach from the vantage of For Scratchley;
participating in the Newcastle ANZAC Day march;

observing the lighting of the Eternal Flame;
participating in the Newcastle Memorial Walk Sunset Ceremony;
visiting the sea wall at Nobby’s light house;
the firing of the guns from Fort Scratchley and HMAS Newcastle;
visiting Fighter World at Williamstown; and
enjoying an extensive tunnel tour of Fort Scratchley.

We understand that our three Scouts represented the group proudly and feedback from the HMAS Newcastle and members of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society was very positive praising the behaviour and manners of the Scouts and Venturers that attended.

A huge thanks must be extended to the Hunter & Coastal Branch of Scouts, HMAS Newcastle for being so welcoming, members of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society for opening its doors to this wonderful experience, the sponsors of the camp, and of course our Scout leaders. Our Scouts came back with so many stories to share that it was hard to get a word in. What an amazing experience for them!

We recommend when you visit Newcastle to be sure to view the city from its best vantage point at Fort Scratchley.

Here are a few pictures to entice you…!

General Information, Scouts

Tent Assembly Blindfolded!

April 16, 2017 brokenbayscouts

I must confess I never would have thought of this Scout challenge but I’m assured it’s easier than it sounds. Tent assembly blindfolded and using your feet with just one person directing you! Great to see Grandfather looking very relaxed observing this exercise. He must have plenty of faith in the Scout troop’s abilities. Go BBSG!

General Information, Scouts

Australian Scout Medallion (ASM) for Greta

April 16, 2017 brokenbayscouts

We’re sure Greta’s heard this many, many times – but a big B-R-A-V-O-O-O to her just the same! Greta was presented with her Australian Scout Medallion (ASM) Certificate in early April by Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins OAM JP.

Greta was just one of 39 NSW recipients and she was awarded her medallion at the Broken Bay Scout Group 2016 Christmas celebrations.

For those who are wondering exactly what the ASM represents it is “the highest award in the Scout Section” and is considered “the pinnacle” of Scouting at this stage.

General Information, Scouts

A Giant Milestone for Goliath

April 16, 2017 brokenbayscouts

Have you encountered “Goliath”? If you look around the leaders of the Broken Bay Scout Group and searched for one of the taller individuals with a big cheeky smile then you’ve found him. Yes, he’s pictured on the right in the above image with “Kotick”.

Goliath in March clocked up 10 years’ service and a big heartfelt thanks goes from all of us within the Group.

Keep up the great work Goliath and leading by example to our Scout troop! We know you’re ready for anything!

General Information, Scouts

YouTube/NBN News footage of Corroboree

January 23, 2017 brokenbayscouts

Well didn’t Scouts have a wonderful time at Corroboree! Troop shot of which BBSG was part of above.

If you’re interested in getting a real feel for what happened at the camp with some of our Scouts featured please watch the footage taken by JNNTV – Scouts TV link below:

For NBN News footage of the event link below:

http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2017/01/20/scouts-converge-in-the-hunter-valley/

Hope you enjoyed watching these clips as much as I did!

General Information, Scouts

Corroboree here we come!

January 17, 2017 brokenbayscouts

The weather was 34 degrees when Scouts sallied forth at 6.30 am bound for the 2017 Scout Corroboree at Lostock (on the Paterson River near the Barrington Tops).

Accompanied by the troop mascot R2-D2, R2-D2 made sure that no Scout (male or female) would be left behind…making plenty of C-3PO jokes as the Scouts embarked the bus.

This year’s Corroboree has a movie theme and the Broken Bay Scouts as part of their Troop has a Star Wars theme (in case you haven’t already gathered). The Gateway to their camp will be an AT-AT. Some Patrol Names include: “The Jawas”, “The Tusken Raiders”, and “Storm Troopers” with even tents being named after Star Wars planets such as Naboo and Kashyyyk.

We bid the Scouts a wonderful time at Lostock whilst they engage in the traditional activities such as kayaking, swimming, as well as an overnight bivouac and hike.

Looking forward to all the stories guys upon your return!

A big “B-R-A-V-O-O-O” to our wonderful leaders that have accompanied them!

Cubs, General Information, Scouts

100 Years of Cubs, 100 Years of Taronga Zoo

November 8, 2016 brokenbayscouts

Where to begin on this adventure? Such a big day and lots of excitement particularly amongst the younger members of the Group that had never previously visited Taronga Zoo.

To celebrate 100 years of Cubs and 100 Years of Taronga Zoo, Cubs and Scouts were given the opportunity to embark on this journey by the most exciting means of travel available – train, ferry and by Sky Safari Gondola. They must almost have earned a badge for that surely?

Once at the zoo Cubs, Scouts, Leaders and Family Members got to go their separate ways and see the amazing animals that just don’t frequent our backyards.

The weather was perfect with skies so blue and water so green and the cityscape backdrop was a photographer’s dream.

Great fun on the Gondola that takes you right over some of the animal enclosures!

Cubs and Scouts re-grouped and two ceremonies were held – one by Cubs to farewell three of their members and the other by Scouts to welcome the three new additions.

On to enjoy the free flight bird show! We were blown away by all the shows we saw on the day. This one featured amazingly trained birds including doves, chickens, wedge tailed eagle, condor, galahs, black cockatoos, owls and many more flying right overhead. Even trained rats made an appearance!